The Eight Steps from Sampler to Sower

The Step	Key Characteristics	Target Commitment	Purposeful Programming
Sampler	Have a sense that there is more to life than the visible Seeking satisfaction at the supernatural smorgasbord Typically syncretistic in their approach to religion	Selection	Outreach events to which teens can invite their friends such as: Lock-ins Concerts Parties Etc.
Seeker	Samplers who are willing to take the time to investigate Christianity typically come with these three basic questions: Does Christianity really make a difference in people's lives? How does all this apply to me? How do I become a Christian?	Confession	Our Tuesday night Agape youth program is designed to be "friend-friendly"--a non-threatening, attractive, fun event during which we have the opportunity to answer the three questions of the seeker by Consistent modeling of the Christian life Lessons designed to help teens find answers to the challenges of life from a Biblical perspective Invitations to confess Christ as Lord.
Singer	It is our firm belief that Christian experience and scripture demonstrates that the natural response to redemption is an attitude of thanksgiving and praise. Singers are those who are learning to express these God-tuned attitudes in worship.	Expression	While Agape seeks to involve teens in praise, we understand that worship is a body experience in which the whole community of faith joins together as one in praise. Therefore Sunday services are our special times for singers when age barriers are broken down and the body of Christ worships together.
Student	Students are those who enter into discipling programs in order to learn more about the Christian life and to develop the habits that lead to Spiritual health and maturity.	Education	Current programming for students include: Sunday School Small Group Bible Study Bible Quizzing
Supporter	Supporters are those who are longing for meaningful relationships that will help them grow and hold them accountable.	Union	We invite teens to make the decision of integration through: Membership classes Lessons on stewardship An invitation to join a small group.
Searcher	Searchers have experienced the grace of salvation, have studied the scriptures and have sought to live according to the pattern of Christ. They realize that there must be more to Christianity than repentance and forgiveness.	Emulation	Emulation is the hallmark of the healthy Christian life. Searchers seek to know the heart and character of God that they might be molded into his likeness. But this decision is not something that can be programmed. Just as physical health is the result of healthy habits, so too emulation, the hallmark of spiritual health, rises out of healthy spiritual habits. In the end emulation, and its sister commitment consecration, are personal decisions that teens have to make for themselves. We seek to facilitate these decisions by promoting spiritual health with our H.A.B.I.T.S. resources.
Servant	Servant understand they have been given much and as such have much to give. They have a desire to serve God but often are uncertain about their gifts and the opportunities that exist.	Integration	We invite people to participate in the ministry of the church by Helping teens discover their gifts through periodic studies on Spiritual gifts including spiritual gift assessments. Spiritual Gift interviews following the assessments to point them to gift specific ministry opportunities. Helping teens discover avenues to serve by informing them regularly of opportunities for service. Freeing time for service by including service in the weekly 5 hours of participation expected of faithful members.
Sower	Christians value their relationship with Christ and want to see others find the same joy and fullness of life. But often they feel uncomfortable about witnessing and are uncertain about how to share their faith.	Evangelization	We seek to equip teens to share their faith with friends by Stressing the importance of living a consistent Christian life in front of their friends. Including time spent building meaningful friendships with unchurched peers in the 5 hours of participation. Periodic studies on evangelism including a variety of soul winning dialogs.

The Five Hours of Participation

Traditionally Nazarene Churches have asked their people who wish to be considered faithful members to give four hours weekly to the church. That time has been broken down in this way:

1 hour listening to a Sunday School lesson

1 hour listening to a Sunday Morning sermon

1 hour listening to a Sunday Evening sermon

1 hour listening to a Wednesday Evening sermon

The result has been a consumer Christianity in which people expect to be "fed" and end up spending most of their time in one area of participation: listening.
Desiring a healthier balance in participation we ask our teens to give five hours weekly to the church--five hours which are divided up as follows:

1 hour a week in worship

1 hour developing a meaningful relationship with an unchurched peer.

1 hour a week bringing a friend to a friend-friendly service

1 hour a week being taught and discipled in a Small Group (Sunday School or midweek Bible Study)

1 hour a week using their spiritual gifts in service.

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